BSc (Hons) Physics with Foundation Year

Program Overview

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Physics with Foundation Year

Overview

Physics drives discovery and innovation. If your enquiring mind seeks solutions to overcome today’s challenges, a physics degree with Salford will position you to make scientific breakthroughs and realise technological innovations that can shape tomorrow.

This foundation year pathway is designed to help you build a strong foundation of knowledge in physics and mathematics principles, laboratory skills and essential higher education study skills. This an ideal route if you want to study the full honours degree, but don't meet the direct entry requirements, or are returning to education.

On successful completion of the foundation year, you will progress on to the full BSc (Hons) Physics degree, where you will continue to build specialised knowledge for a success in a future career making new discoveries in industry or research.

Course Details

Foundation Year

• Foundation Mathematics A and B: Development of mathematical and modelling skills, including algebra, transposition of formulae, coordinate systems, logarithms, introduction to calculus, problem solving in velocity and acceleration, differentiation, integration and matrices.
• Foundation Physics A and B: Grounding in basic physics and the development of numerical problem solving, including mechanics, properties of matter and wave propagation, electronics and electricity, fields (magnetic, electric, gravitation etc.) and atomic and nuclear physics.
• Foundation IT and Study Skills: Development of IT, research, team working, presentation and scientific reporting skills, including the use of spreadsheets, graphical representation of data, report writing, scientific presentations and group-based research.
• Foundation Physics Laboratory: Laboratory skills, critical analysis of data and scientific reporting, including experimental design, scientific measurement methods and data analysis.

Year One - Undergraduate Degree

• Physics in Context: Underlying skills required in science and engineering, including units, dimensional analysis, problem solving, presentation skills, scientific IT, CAD/CAM and its application.
• Physics Laboratory 1: Core laboratory skills, including measurement, data analysis and electronics, with experiments designed to complement core physics ideas.
• Mathematics: Review of A-level standard mathematics topics, including algebra, trigonometry, functions, geometry, vectors, complex numbers and calculus, with emphasis on learning their applications to physics.
• Modelling of Physical Systems: Application of numerical modelling, demonstrating how it can be complementary to mathematical-based analytical techniques, often allowing the examination the characteristics beyond the limitations of standard approaches.

Year Two - Undergraduate Degree

• Electromagnetism: Physical laws associated with electricity and magnetism and how the motion of charged particles is governed by electric and magnetic fields.
• Thermal Physics: Laws of thermal physics and how the statistical properties of many particle systems relate to the laws in macroscopic systems.
• Waves and Optics: Principles of wave motion applied to mechanical, sound and electromagnetic waves, including wave interference and diffraction in optical systems and applications.
• Physics Laboratory 2: Experimental and computational methods applied in physics, with experiments across a range of areas in physics and development of computing skills.

Year Three - Undergraduate Degree

• Project in Physics: Research and/or development project, including background research, literature review, and production of a professional scientific report.
• Nuclear and Particle Physics: Overview of Nuclear Physics, including nuclear stability, nuclear reactions, and major experimental techniques and practical applications.
• Condensed Matter Physics: Fundamental laws of physics determining the properties of solids and liquids, including semiconductors and devices, magnetism and superconductivity.
• Physics Laboratory 3: Advanced physics laboratory skills, including experimental or computational physics, with a focus on hi-tech materials deposition and analysis apparatus.

Employment and Stats

• Employment: A physics degree will equip you with a skillset and scientific approach so you can discover new scientific breakthroughs and innovations, with career pathways in healthcare, defense, finance, research, education, engineering and the nuclear industry.
• Further Study: Opportunities for postgraduate study, including MSc Aerospace Engineering and MSc Data Science.

Requirements

• Applicant Profile: Passionate about physics, with an aptitude for mathematics and problem-solving.
• International Students: This course is not suitable for international students.
• English Language Requirements: IELTS score of 6.0 (no element below 5.5) or equivalent qualifications.
• Standard Entry Requirements: UCAS tariff points, A Levels, BTEC National Diploma, BTEC Higher National Diploma, T Level, Foundation Degree, Scottish Highers, Irish Leaving Certificate, European Baccalaureate, International Baccalaureate, Access to HE, GCSE.

Tuition Fees

• Full-time Home: £8,505 for Foundation Year and £9,535 for subsequent years.

Additional Costs

• Books, Stationery, Printing, Binding: Additional costs for general subsistence on trips and visits.

Program Outline

This program aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills to make scientific breakthroughs and innovations in physics. It combines theoretical and practical learning with a strong emphasis on laboratory work and problem-solving.

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Objectives:

• Develop a strong foundation in physics and mathematics principles.
• Gain advanced knowledge in quantum mechanics, atomic and nuclear physics, and wave optics.
• Build analytical, numerical, and computer-based problem-solving skills.
• Learn the application of mathematics in physics and use symbolic computing and programming.
• Conduct experiments in the Joule physics laboratories to apply theoretical knowledge.

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Program Description:

This program is designed for students who want to study physics but may not meet the direct entry requirements for the full honors degree.

• Foundation Year: The first year focuses on building a solid foundation in physics, mathematics, laboratory skills, and essential study skills.
• BSc Degree: The full degree spans three years (four years with a placement year).
Students explore various physics topics, including quantum mechanics, nuclear and particle physics, condensed matter physics, and astrophysics.

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Other:

• The program includes an optional placement year, allowing students to gain real-world industry experience.
• The School of Science, Engineering, and Environment offers impressive facilities, including world-class laboratories and specialist areas for electronics, optics, lasers, and computing.

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Outline:

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Year One (Foundation Year):

• Foundation Mathematics A and B: Develop mathematical and modeling skills.
• Foundation Physics A and B: Gain grounding in basic physics and numerical problem-solving.
• Foundation IT and Study Skills: Enhance IT, research, team working, presentation, and scientific reporting skills.
• New - Physics Laboratory 1: Develop core laboratory skills including measurement, data analysis, and electronics through experiments.
• Mathematics: Review A-level standard mathematics topics and learn their application in physics.
• New - Modelling of Physical Systems: Understand how numerical modeling can be used to solve physics problems.
• New - Mechanics, Relativity and Quantum Physics: Learn about the laws of mechanics, relativity, and quantum physics and their application.
• New - Physics Laboratory 2: Learn about experimental and computational methods in physics.

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Year Three (BSc Degree):

• New - Group Project in Physics: Learn about the use of CAD/CAM software, sensor circuits, and interface software, along with experimental design and construction, interface skills, time management, teamwork, and written/oral presentation skills.
• University Wide Language Programme (Optional): Choose to study a world language to improve listening, reading, speaking, and writing skills.
• Project in Physics: Conduct a research and/or development project under the supervision of academic staff.
The particle physics element introduces the ideas of Grand Unified Theory. solids and liquids.

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Assessment:

Students are assessed through various methods, including:

• Laboratory exercises
• Examinations
• Reports

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Teaching:

The program utilizes a blend of teaching methods:

• Lectures
• Seminars and tutorials
• Lab activities
Lectures and tutorials are complemented by hands-on laboratory sessions to reinforce understanding of physics laws and their applications. The program also includes seminars, guest lectures, and problem-based learning exercises to enhance problem-solving skills.

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Careers:

Graduates of this program have a range of career opportunities:

• Researchers
• Nanotechnologists
• Software engineers
• Science teachers
• Physicists
They are also qualified for jobs in industries such as healthcare, defense, finance, research, education, engineering, and the nuclear industry. The program also opens doors to teaching and academic research careers.

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Other:

• The program offers optional modules in specific areas of physics, allowing students to tailor their studies and explore their interests.
• The curriculum is regularly updated to reflect the latest developments in physics.
• The program provides support to students in navigating academic and career paths.